Nail care basics
Nails reflect our overall health, which is why proper nail care is so important. Here are dermatologists’ tips for keeping your nails healthy.
Tips for healthy nails
Nails reflect our overall health, which is why proper nail care is so important. Here are dermatologists’ tips for keeping your nails healthy.
Nails reflect our overall health, which is why proper nail care is so important. Here are dermatologists’ tips for keeping your nails healthy:
- Keep nails clean and dry.
- Cut nails straight across. Use sharp nail scissors or clippers. Round the nails slightly at the tips for maximum strength.
- Keep nails shaped and free of snags by filing with an emery board.
- Do not bite fingernails or remove the cuticle. Doing so can damage the nail.
- Do not use your nails as a tool, such as opening pop cans.
- Trim toenails regularly. Keeping them short will minimize the risk of trauma and injury.
- When toenails are thick and difficult to cut, soak your feet in warm salt water. Mix one teaspoon of salt per pint of water and soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Avoid “digging out” ingrown toenails, especially if they are infected and sore. If you are suffering from an ingrown toenail, see a dermatologist for treatment.
- Wear shoes that fit properly. Also alternate which pair of shoes you wear each day.
- Wear flip flops at the pool and in public showers. This reduces the risk of infections caused by a fungus that can get in your toenails.
If your nails change, swell, or cause pain, see your dermatologist because these can be signs of serious nail problems. If you have diabetes or poor circulation, it’s especially important to seek treatment for any nail problems. If you have questions or concerns about caring for your nails, see a board-certified dermatologist.
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Nail care basics
Have you noticed a change to any of your nails lately? If you notice any changes to a fingernail or toenail, it’s time to see a board-certified dermatologist.
Nail biting typically begins in childhood and can continue through adulthood, and the side effects can be more than cosmetic. To help you stop biting your nails, dermatologists recommend these tips.
Find out when you can treat an injured nail at home, what can bring relief, and how to protect your nail while it heals.
To properly trim your nails, follow these tips from board-certified dermatologists.
Are you doing everything you can to have healthy looking nails? Take this quiz and find out.
Teaching your child the these tips from dermatologists can help your child develop healthy nail care habits.
Nails reflect our overall health, which is why proper nail care is so important. Here are dermatologists’ tips for keeping your nails healthy.
- About AAD
- Contact AAD
- Donate
- Employment
- Store
- Support AAD
- Website feedback
- AAD meetings and events
- Advertise
- Classifieds
- Licensing
- Mailing lists
- Meeting advertising
- Legal notice
- Corporate partners
- Donors
- Exhibitors: 2024 Annual Meeting
- Media
- International
- For AAD members
- Patient advocates
- Diseases and conditions
- Everyday care
- Cosmetic treatments
- Public health programs
- Find a dermatologist
Reproduction or republication strictly prohibited
without prior written permission.